Rebellion in world football gains momentum. Confederations unite, demand decisive action

FIFA announced on Tuesday its intention to establish a subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage tournaments such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. The plan involved offering 20 percent of its shares to private investors, potentially leading to an increase in participants or more frequent championship events.

The proposal immediately drew significant criticism, leading Infantino to withdraw it on Saturday. “This recent unilateral and egregious display of mismanagement and leadership is part of a series of missteps and similar behavior. A thorough accountability for this tenure in office is imperative,” the confederation stated, as quoted by DPA.

In addition to CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) also opposed the proposal, with member countries of the latter threatening to boycott the World Cup.

Consequently, FIFA lacked the necessary support from the majority of its 211 member associations. “The unity demonstrated by our member associations this week reaffirmed that when we are guided by courage, integrity, and principles of good governance, the game remains where it belongs – in the hands of football, not an individual,” stated the confederation, which comprises 41 member nations.

UEFA had previously called for a comprehensive review of FIFA's leadership. “We are all merely custodians serving a game that belongs to all of us,” CONCACAF added, referring to Infantino.